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Sometimes, the best moves are the ones where nothing really happens. The Baltimore Ravens entered the offseason aggressively pursuing two superstar pass rushers. Now, there probably isn't an NFL fan who doesn't know what happened, but just in case you've been busy, here's a synopsis of what followed. Eric DeCosta aimed high, pursuing Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson. At one point, it appeared the Ravens were prepared to send two first-round selections to the Las Vegas Raiders before negotiations ultimately collapsed.
Many viewed that as a disappointment. Hopefully, by now, theories have changed. Sure, Crosby is elite. No one will deny that, but Baltimore, since changing its mind, may have stumbled into a more favorable scenario.
Rather than forcing the Crosby trade, DeCosta immediately shifted his full attention toward Trey Hendrickson. The veteran edge rusher arrived. Baltimore kept its pair of first-round picks and didn't lose any draft capital by acquiring its former rival.
Yes, Hendrickson turns 31 this season. Yes, there were recent injury concerns, but the commitment represented better value than surrendering premium draft capital while also handing Crosby a massive contract. The Ravens entered the offseason needing another premier pass rusher. Mission accomplished. They added three: Hendrickson, Calais Campbell, and rookie Zion Young.
They join a defensive front featuring Nnamdi Madubuike and Mike Green. The rest of the defense features guys like Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and a pair of breakout candidates in Nate Wiggins and Malaki Starks. Baltimore will continue replenishing the roster in future years. Sometimes great organizations know when to walk away. Instead of chasing the flashier move, Eric DeCosta found one that may prove every bit as effective while protecting Baltimore's long-term future.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Opinion: Controversial Ravens decision looks even better months later
Continue reading...
Many viewed that as a disappointment. Hopefully, by now, theories have changed. Sure, Crosby is elite. No one will deny that, but Baltimore, since changing its mind, may have stumbled into a more favorable scenario.
How Eric DeCosta pivoted rather than panicking
Rather than forcing the Crosby trade, DeCosta immediately shifted his full attention toward Trey Hendrickson. The veteran edge rusher arrived. Baltimore kept its pair of first-round picks and didn't lose any draft capital by acquiring its former rival.
Yes, Hendrickson turns 31 this season. Yes, there were recent injury concerns, but the commitment represented better value than surrendering premium draft capital while also handing Crosby a massive contract. The Ravens entered the offseason needing another premier pass rusher. Mission accomplished. They added three: Hendrickson, Calais Campbell, and rookie Zion Young.
They join a defensive front featuring Nnamdi Madubuike and Mike Green. The rest of the defense features guys like Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and a pair of breakout candidates in Nate Wiggins and Malaki Starks. Baltimore will continue replenishing the roster in future years. Sometimes great organizations know when to walk away. Instead of chasing the flashier move, Eric DeCosta found one that may prove every bit as effective while protecting Baltimore's long-term future.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Opinion: Controversial Ravens decision looks even better months later
Continue reading...
